When I went to the recruiter, I asked about what the paramiters were for eye sight, 20/50 was the answer I got from them. Unfortunatly, my eye sight is about 20/70. Also, said that it isn't a guarantee that I may be elligable for flight school. Later, said that medical waivers will not be granted, and so states the website. I have heard that there are ways of beating the system, is there a way? Is there a way for me to make my eyesight better in a year, other than surgery? Thanks!

quote:

I have heard that there are ways of beating the system, is there a way?

ABSOLUTELY the wrong approach. You don't want any "shortcuts" to come back and haunt you later in you career.

I'd hate to have to come knock on your door someday and have to read you your Article 31 (Miranda) rights for False Official Statement(s).

Keep it real, work with your recruiter, tell the truth. Chances are you will need a security clearance later on, and you don't want to do anything to mess that up, either.

quote:

Is there a way for me to make my eyesight better in a year

Try limiting self-abuse ...

"Is there a way for me to make my eyesight better in a year, other than surgery? "


I have heard of some system promoted on the radio that "teaches" your eyes to see properly again. The company chastised glasses as a crutch and says there is a natural way to fix your vision.

You could look something like that up and decide if you want to spend/waste your money on that.

So, if your eyesite is worse than 20/50 you're basically screwed for aircrew? Even if you have 20/20 with contacts/glasses

Eat you carrots!

I do know that USN does accept pilots who have had LASIK surgery. Does this hold true to the USCG as well?

Meir Schneider's Natural Vision Improvement Kit

I was heading for -6.00 diopters myopia and with doing very little of Meir's exercises I'm down to around -4.5 diopters.

There is a natural way. It works well.

I suggest the laser PRK or Lasix surgery. The catch is that your eyesight needs to be stable for several years prior to the surgery. You didn't say how old you were, but your eyesight does really stabilize until your mid-20's or so - but this is not a hard and fast rule.

Only one of those surgeries, PRK or Lasik, is allowable in Coast Guard Aviation. I am not sure which one, but I wouldn't listen to what anyone has to say except a Flight Surgeon. I have heard of aviators receiving the wrong surgery and subsequently being removed from flight orders.

Attempting to beat the system will get you know where fast. Imagine having beat the system, and the result is people die because you were unable to locate them them from the aircraft at night. Do you want that sort of situation to rest on your shoulders?

PRK is the only surgery authorized for CG aviation(Enlisted Aircrew & Flt. surgeons).

As Bluetorch said the doctor almost put me down for lasik.
I'm getting it done March 3rd, there is a small list of requirements and a medical waiver is required to fly after surgery. It could ground you for awhile if not done by the book.
I have more info on it if you like just send me fax number and info.

remember there are different standards for accession and continuation on a lot of A/C physical requirements.